Machinery Fire Extinguishing

[Rob Graham]

I've no affiliation to this company whatsoever, I came across this from a Motorsport supplier on Facebook but thought it would be bloody handy for baler/combine/forager operators and more if used when appropriate

 

[Rob Graham]

And again, I never quite understood why combine manufacturers at the least never offered plumbed-in extinguisher systems, not to be relied upon but for a fraction of the price of the piece of equipment if it saved you from injury or even your life it would be well worth it, not extravagant money to have retrofitted

SPA Design Steel Mechanical Fire Extinguisher 4.0 Ltr Kit

This mechanically operated fire extinguisher features the latest technology from SPA Design. Filled with 4 litres of AFFF-AR fire extinguishant and designed for use in saloon cars, this extinguisher produces improved fire knockdown and fire out times. This extinguisher features a strong steel...

www.demon-tweeks.com

 

[Barleycorn]

And again, I never quite understood why combine manufacturers at the least never offered plumbed-in extinguisher systems, not to be relied upon but for a fraction of the price of the piece of equipment if it saved you from injury or even your life it would be well worth it, not extravagant money to have retrofitted

SPA Design Steel Mechanical Fire Extinguisher 4.0 Ltr Kit

This mechanically operated fire extinguisher features the latest technology from SPA Design. Filled with 4 litres of AFFF-AR fire extinguishant and designed for use in saloon cars, this extinguisher produces improved fire knockdown and fire out times. This extinguisher features a strong steel...

www.demon-tweeks.com

Used to have this type on my boat when I had it. https://www.firesafetystore.co.uk/f...PxrOIxMRzaSKIRAQYKO6G1K4Os75Vt8BoC3h8QAvD_BwE

Couldn't get insurance unless you sent them a photo of it fitted.

Ironically many years ago I was looking at an automatic system for the combine. I asked the NFU if they would contribute for it's cost, and they weren't interested. Didn't bother in the end, thought that if this was their attitude they could pay for a new combine if the needs arised.

 

[snarling bee]

Used to have this type on my boat when I had it. https://www.firesafetystore.co.uk/f...PxrOIxMRzaSKIRAQYKO6G1K4Os75Vt8BoC3h8QAvD_BwE

Couldn't get insurance unless you sent them a photo of it fitted.

Ironically many years ago I was looking at an automatic system for the combine. I asked the NFU if they would contribute for it's cost, and they weren't interested. Didn't bother in the end, thought that if this was their attitude they could pay for a new combine if the needs arised.

*need arose*

Chances are if an extinguisher went off a fair bit of damage would already have been be done. Do the Mutual, or any insurer, contribute to new car tyres, padlocks, electric gate, or fire extinguishers in your buildings?

Neither does my insurer.

 

[deleted user 837354]

If a machine as complex as a combine has had a fire, do you really want to save it? A machine on fire sat on pressurised tyres and full of diesel and hydraulic oil. Be my guest. I'd sooner keep well away.

Even a small fire in the engine bay could make the machine uneconomic or very problematic to repair.

 

[Vincent]

Nearly every big bit of plant uses this type of system its normally an Ansul system that's used. Two large canisters of powder on plant machines. Marine systems are normally CO2 bottles ,the air vent dampers are closed and the bottles detonated. Always a worry when working in an engine room would you get out if they went off.

 

[Nigel Wellings]

I did a lot of research 2-3 years ago into fitting automatic fire extinguishment systems on combines having had combine burn out .There are a number of systems available that look fairly good,but cost around £5-6k. Easily justified on new machine. In the end I came to the conclusion that the best idea was a compressed air system fitted around the engine bay and also covering some of the hydraulics.
Cost is much lower and hopefully prevents build up of dust/debris that causes fire in first place. We had a more basic compressed air system on a New Holland TF78 20-25 years ago, that worked perfectly well. Cannot understand why latest combine manufacturers will not fit them? I think there is an element of concern that if one manufacturer fits them they are admitting they have a fire problem, which is rubbish. Also think every fire leads to a new sale, are they really bothered. The hassle factor associated with a mid season combine fire is huge, sourcing a hired machine/ contractor, potential down time in catchy weather and although Insurance pays some of these costs you often end up out of pocket somewhere. If a 3 season old machine goes up in smoke, tend to replace with new which means you have an unbudgeted extra replacement cost.

 

[James]

Better to let it burn and rite it off than a partial fire getting repaired only for the machine to be plagued with issues later on